White House pushes tax credits, jobless benefits

WASHINGTON 
The White House is pressing Congress to extend jobless benefits and tax credits for middle- and low-income people, a package of economic assistance totaling about $150 billion for one year.

The White House campaign comes amid negotiations with Congress over extending 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for all taxpayers.

Obama administration officials say the combined effect of such spending would be eight times better for the economy than continuing expiring tax rates cuts for wealthier taxpayers.

Beyond unemployment insurance, the White House made the case Thursday for extending tax provisions in the 2009 economic stimulus. They include the Make Work Pay tax credit for individuals, a tuition tax credit and a provision that rewards employers who hire unemployed workers. All expire at the end of the year.